This month has been full of lists.
- Things to get done before Jake returns from his work trip
- Work tasks to complete before vacation
- House projects to tackle or plan for
- Chores & errands to check off before we leave Saturday morning
- Clothes to buy for my packing list
I'm sitting here (while waiting for my boss to confirm the priority of said work tasks), wondering if Jesus ever felt the pressure of a to-do list.
He was only in ministry for about three years. 'I have to send out My 12, teach them His prayer, do all those things My cousin said I'd do, cleanse the temple, send those demons off thru that herd of pigs, call Mary by name, tell them the lost sheep metaphor (& pray they understand it...), stay up to meet with Nicodemus, show Thomas my wounds, make sure My mom is taken care of after My ascension, ask Peter if he loves Me...' Before the miraculous virgin birth, was He sitting next to God, stressed about all that was to come? 'Why can't I actively use more of my ~30 years on earth? There's so much to do and so many people to invest in!'
And yet He came and took His time. Let Himself be sung over by His mom in the womb, lost track of time teaching in the temple as an unknown kid, built things out of wood, observed the Sabbath, took that infamous nap on the boat, spent time alone...never in a hurry. Never stressed. Never unsure if God's mission would be completed.
I am thankful that He was human. That He maintained friendships, hung out by the fire, and gave them more wine. That He can sympathize with our weaknesses--especially in "Maycember." But I'm even more grateful He's God. That He convicts us about having enough energy and margin to keep watch while He prays. That He tenderly tells Martha not to be anxious while hosting. That He consistently reminds us His way isn't the world's way.
I don't know, I'm just sitting here thinking...but I think He'd approve of that.
